Antigenic compositions and methods

ABSTRACT

Multilayer films comprised of polypeptide epitopes and a toll-like receptor ligand. The multilayer films are capable of eliciting an immune response in a host upon administration to the host. The multilayer films can include at least one designed peptide that includes one or more polypeptide epitopes from a virus, bacteria, fungus or parasite.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/828,315, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/618,021 filed on Mar. 30, 2012, and 61/647,105, filed on May 15, 2012, which are incorporated herewith in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to antigenic compositions and methods of use, specifically multilayer film compositions containing antigenic epitopes.

BACKGROUND

As described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,530, electrostatic layer-by-layer multilayer films provide a platform for immunogenic compositions for use as vaccines, for example. In an electrostatic layer-by-layer multilayer film, deposition of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes onto a surface, such as a particle, provides a stable multilayer structure. Polypeptide epitopes can be incorporated into a charged polyelectrolyte such as polypeptide, allowing for incorporation of a polypeptide epitope into the film. The films containing the epitopes can be used to elicit an immune response and provide protection against a target, such as a pathogen.

While the compositions disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,530 are suitable for their intended purpose, it would be advantageous to increase the immunogenicity of the compositions. Described herein are modified multilayer film compositions for the production of immune responses to peptide antigens.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a composition comprises

a first multilayer film comprising a plurality of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte layers, wherein one of the polyelectrolyte layers in the multilayer film comprises a first antigenic polyelectrolyte, wherein the first antigenic polyelectrolyte comprises a viral, bacterial, fungal or parasite polypeptide epitope, and

wherein the composition comprises a toll-like receptor ligand,

wherein the polyelectrolytes in the multilayer film comprise a polycationic material or a polyanionic material having a molecular weight of greater than 1,000 and at least 5 charges per molecule.

In another aspect, a composition comprises

a first multilayer film comprising a plurality of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte layers, wherein one of the polyelectrolyte layers in the first multilayer film comprises a first antigenic polyelectrolyte, wherein the first antigenic polyelectrolyte comprises a viral, bacterial, fungal or parasite polypeptide epitope,

a second multilayer film comprising a plurality of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte layers wherein one of the polyelectrolyte layers in the second multilayer film comprises a second polyelectrolyte, wherein the second polyelectrolyte comprises a toll-like receptor ligand, and

wherein the polyelectrolytes in the first and second multilayer films comprise a polycationic material or a polyanionic material having a molecular weight of greater than 1,000 and at least 5 charges per molecule.

In a further aspect, included herein is a method of eliciting an immune response in a vertebrate organism comprising administering into the vertebrate organism a multilayer film composition as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 3 show antibody responses elicited by malaria Pam3Cys.T1B microparticles in C57BL/6 mice. In FIG. 1, on day 28, sera were tested in ELISA against T1B peptide. Results show the mean±SD anti-T1B IgG antibody titer of 10 mice per group. §P<0.05 compared to the MP-1167 group. In FIG. 2, the T1B ELISA was repeated with a 1:250 dilution of individual sera, and each serum was probed with isotype-specific detection antibodies. Results show the mean±SD of 10 mice per group. In FIG. 3, on day 56, mice were challenged by exposure to PfPb-infected mosquitoes, and parasite burden in the liver 40 hours later was measured by qPCR. Results show individual mice (circles) and group averages (bars); insets show number of mice protected (≧90% reduction in parasite burden compared to PBS group average shown by dotted horizontal line), group average percent reduction compared to PBS group average.

P<0.05 compared to PBS group. #P<0.05 compared to ACT-1167 group.

FIG. 4 is a plot of IL8 response vs. % particle suspension showing that microparticles containing MPLA activate TLR-4 cells in a dose dependent fashion.

FIG. 5 is a graph of imiquimod (1M) absorbance of solutions and dissolved particles.

FIG. 6 shows antibody response elicited by immunization with T1BT* microparticles. C57BL/6J mice were immunized with the indicated treatments on day 0, 21 and 42. Sera collected on day 49 were tested in ELISA against T1B peptide. Results show the mean±SD of 10 mice per group.

FIG. 7 shows antibody response elicited by immunization with T1BT* microparticles. Sera were tested at 1:250 and plates were probed with isotype-specific detection antibodies. Results show mean±SD of 10 mice per group.

FIG. 8 shows T-cell responses to T1BT* microparticles. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with the indicated treatments on days 0, 21 and 42. Spleen cells were harvested on day 49 and restimulated with T1B peptide in IFNγ and IL-5 ELISPOT plates. The data depict the mean±SD of 3.

The above-described and other features will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are multilayer films comprising a viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasite polypeptide epitope, also called antigens, wherein the multilayer films are capable of eliciting an immune response in a host upon administration to the host. While the films containing epitopes from pathogens have been shown to elicit an immune response, it is desirable to develop strategies to improve the immune response. The inventors herein have found that the incorporation of toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands into the films can improve the immune response both quantitatively and qualitatively. While TLR ligands have been used previously as vaccine adjuvants, administration in the form of a multilayer film with an antigen from a pathogen provides an effective and convenient means to deliver both the adjuvant and the epitope.

Specifically, disclosed herein are compositions comprising multilayer films that comprise alternating layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. Optionally, one or more of the polyelectrolytes is a polypeptide. The multilayer films comprise a viral, bacterial, fungal or parasite polypeptide epitope. The polypeptide epitope is attached, such as covalently attached, to a polyelectrolyte. In one embodiment, the polyelectrolyte is a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide epitope and having sufficient charge for deposition into a multilayer film. The compositions also include a TLR ligand deposited as part of the multilayer films, or deposited onto a substrate such as a core prior to deposition of the multilayer film. Further, the polypeptide epitope and the TLR receptor ligand can be attached to the same or different polyelectrolytes, and/or can be present in the same or different multilayer film. In one embodiment, the polypeptide epitope and the TLR receptor ligand are covalently attached to the same polyelectrolyte, and thus are in the same multilayer film. In another embodiment, the polypeptide epitope and the TLR receptor ligand are covalently attached to different polyelectrolytes, but are layered within the same multilayer film. In yet another embodiment, the polypeptide epitope and the TLR receptor ligand are covalently attached to different polyelectrolytes, but are layered in different multilayer films which are subsequently mixed prior to administration. In yet another embodiment, the TLR receptor ligand is deposited onto a core prior to deposition of a polyelectrolyte comprising the polypeptide epitope. In another embodiment, the TLR receptor ligand is co-deposited with one of the polyelectrolytes of the multilayer film. In another embodiment, the TLR receptor ligand is deposited in a step or steps separate from the deposition of the polyelectrolytes of the multilayer film.

In each of the foregoing embodiments, two or more TLR ligands may be employed. The two or more TLR ligands may be in the same multilayer film or in different multilayer films that are subsequently mixed to form a composition.

In one embodiment, a composition comprises a first multilayer film comprising a plurality of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte layers, wherein one of the polyelectrolyte layers in the multilayer film comprises a first antigenic polyelectrolyte, wherein the first antigenic polyelectrolyte comprises a polypeptide epitope, and wherein the polyelectrolytes in the multilayer film comprise a polycationic material or a polyanionic material having a molecular weight of greater than 1,000 and at least 5 charges per molecule.

In one embodiment, the first polyelectrolyte comprises two or more epitopes from the same virus, bacteria, fungus or parasite. The epitopes can be contiguous on the polypeptide chain, or spaced by a spacer region. Similarly, the epitopes can be at the N-terminus of the polypeptide, the C-terminus of the polypeptide, or anywhere in between.

It is noted that when the first antigenic polyelectrolyte is a polypeptide, the polypeptide contains sufficient charge for deposition into a polypeptide multilayer film. In one embodiment, the net charge per residue of the polypeptide is greater than or equal to 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5 at pH 7.0, as explained herein.

In one embodiment, the multilayer film is deposited on a core particle, such as a CaCO₃ particle, a latex particle, or an iron particle. Particle sizes on the order of 5 nanometers (nm) to 500 micrometers (nm) in diameter are particularly useful, as are larger particles having diameters of 1 μm or more, such as 3 μm diameter particles. Particles made of other materials can also be used as cores provided that they are biocompatible, have controllable size distribution, and have sufficient surface charge (either positive or negative) to bind polyelectrolyte peptides. Examples include nanoparticles and microparticles made of materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic acid glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), chitosan, hyaluronic acid, gelatin, or combinations thereof. Core particles could also be made of materials that are believed to be inappropriate for human use provided that they can be dissolved and separated from the multilayer film following film fabrication. Examples of the template core substances include organic polymers such as latex or inorganic materials such as silica.

The multilayer films comprise a polypeptide epitope, such as, for example, the epitopes described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,530, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the antigenic determinant region comprises a viral antigen. Suitable viral antigens include, but are not limited to, retroviral antigens such as HIV-1 antigens including the gene products of the gag, pol, and env genes, the Nef protein, reverse transcriptase, and other HIV components; hepatitis viral antigens such as the S, M, and L proteins of hepatitis B virus, the pre-S antigen of hepatitis B virus, and other hepatitis, e.g., hepatitis A, B, and C, viral components; influenza viral antigens such as hemagglutinin and neuraminidase and other influenza viral components; measles viral antigens such as the measles virus fusion protein and other measles virus components; rubella viral antigens such as proteins E1 and E2 and other rubella virus components; rotaviral antigens such as VP7sc and other rotaviral components; cytomegaloviral antigens such as envelope glycoprotein B and other cytomegaloviral antigen components; respiratory syncytial viral antigens such as the attachment (G), fusion (F) and matrix (M2) proteins and other respiratory syncytial viral antigen components; herpes simplex viral antigens such as immediate early proteins, glycoprotein D, and other herpes simplex viral antigen components; varicella zoster viral antigens such as gpI, gpII, and other varicella zoster viral antigen components; Japanese encephalitis viral antigens such as proteins E, M-E, M-E-NS 1, NS 1, NS 1-NS2A, 80% E, and other Japanese encephalitis viral antigen components; rabies viral antigens such as rabies glycoprotein, rabies nucleoprotein and other rabies viral antigen components; and combinations comprising one or more of the foregoing antigenic determinant regions.

In another embodiment, the antigenic determinant region comprises a bacterial antigen. Suitable bacterial antigens include, but are not limited to, pertussis bacterial antigens such as pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin, FIM2, FIM3, adenylate cyclase and other pertussis bacterial antigen components; diptheria bacterial antigens such as diptheria toxin or toxoid and other diptheria bacterial antigen components; tetanus bacterial antigens such as tetanus toxin or toxoid and other tetanus bacterial antigen components; streptococcal bacterial antigens such as M proteins and other streptococcal bacterial antigen components; gram-negative bacilli bacterial antigens; Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterial antigens such as heat shock protein 65 (HSP65), the 30 kDa major secreted protein, antigen 85A and other mycobacterial antigen components; Helicobacter pylori bacterial antigen components; pneumococcal bacterial antigens such as pneumolysin, and other pneumococcal bacterial antigen components; haemophilus influenza bacterial antigens; anthrax bacterial antigens such as anthrax protective antigen and other anthrax bacterial antigen components; rickettsiae bacterial antigens such as romps and other rickettsiae bacterial antigen components; and combinations comprising one or more of the foregoing antigenic determinant regions.

In another embodiment, the antigenic determinant region comprises a fungal antigen. Suitable fungal antigens include, but are not limited to, candida fungal antigen components; histoplasma fungal antigens such as heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and other histoplasma fungal antigen components; cryptococcal fungal antigens such as capsular polysaccharides and other cryptococcal fungal antigen components; coccidiodes fungal antigens such as spherule antigens and other coccidiodes fungal antigen components, and tinea fungal antigens such as trichophytin and other coccidiodes fungal antigen components; and combinations comprising one or more of the foregoing antigenic determinant regions.

In another embodiment, the antigenic determinant region comprises a parasite antigen. Suitable protozoal and other parasitic antigens include, but are not limited to, Plasmodium falciparum antigens such as merozoite surface antigens, sporozoite surface antigens, circumsporozoite antigens, gametocyte/gamete surface antigens, blood-stage antigen pf 1 55/RESA and other plasmodial antigen components; toxoplasma antigens such as SAG-1, p30 and other toxoplasma antigen components; schistosomae antigens such as glutathione-S-transferase, paramyosin, and other schistosomal antigen components; leishmania major and other leishmaniae antigens such as gp63, lipophosphoglycan and its associated protein and other leishmanial antigen components; and trypanosoma cruzi antigens such as the 75-77 kDa antigen, the 56 kDa antigen and other trypanosomal antigen components; and combinations comprising one or more of the foregoing parasite antigens.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide epitope is from respiratory syncytial virus, such as an epitope from the attachment (G) protein and its subunits, the fusion (F) protein and its subunits, and the matrix (M2) protein and its subunits. In another embodiment, the polypeptide epitope is from influenza virus such as an epitope from the hemaglutinin (HA) protein and its subunits, the neuraminidase (NA) protein and its subunits, or the matrix protein ectodomain (M2). In another embodiment, the polypeptide epitope is from the malaria parasite, such Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae, and including, for example the circumsporozoite (CS) protein and subunits including T1, B and T* epitopes.

As used herein, the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein antigens are:

T1: (SEQ ID NO: 1) DPNANPNVDPNANPNV B: (SEQ ID NO: 2) NANP T*: (SEQ ID NO: 3) EYLNKIQNSLSTEWSPCSVT

In certain embodiments, the T, B or T* epitope, particularly the B epitope, is repeated 2 or more times.

The multilayer films also include a toll-like receptor ligand, or TLR ligand. TLR ligands are molecules that bind to TLRs and either activate or repress TLR receptors. Activation of TLR signaling through recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and mimics leads to the transcriptional activation of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and co-stimulatory molecules, which can control the activation of the antigen-specific adaptive immune response. TLRs have been pursued as potential therapeutic targets for various inflammatory diseases and cancer. Following activation, TLRs induce the expression of a number of protein families, including inflammatory cytokines, type I interferons, and chemokines. TLR receptor ligands can function as adjuvants for the immune response.

Exemplary TLR ligands include a TLR1 ligand, a TLR2 ligand, a TLR3 ligand, a TLR4 ligand, a TLR5 ligand, a TLR6 ligand, a TLR 7 ligand, a TLR8 ligand, a TLR9 ligand and combinations thereof.

Exemplary TLR1 ligands include triacyl bacterial lipoproteins such as Pam3Cys ([N-palmitoyl-S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)propyl]cysteine]). Exemplary TLR2 ligands include diacyl bacterial lipoproteins such as Pam2Cys (Pam₂Cys[S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)propyl]cysteine]), mycoplasmal macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP2), or zymosan (fungal). Exemplary TLR6 ligands are diacyl lipopeptides. TLR1 and TLR6 require heterodimerization with TLR2 to recognize ligands. TLR1/2 are activated by triacyl lipoprotein (or a lipopeptide, such as Pam3 Cys), whereas TLR6/2 are activated by diacyl lipoproteins (e.g., Pam2Cys), although there may be some cross-recognition.

An exemplary TLR3 ligand is Poly(I:C). Exemplary TLR4 ligands are lipopolysaccharide (LPS), monophospholipid A (MPLA), fusion protein of respiratory syncytial virus, and envelope protein of mouse mammary tumor virus. An exemplary TLR5 ligand is flagellin. Exemplary TLR7 ligands are nucleoside analogs such as loxoribine (guanosine analog) and imidazoquinolines such as imiquimod and R848. An exemplary TLR8 ligand is single-stranded RNA. An exemplary TLR9 ligand is unmethylated CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide DNA.

In one embodiment, an antigenic polyelectrolyte, e.g., an antigenic polypeptide, has a TLR ligand covalently attached thereto. For example, Pam3Cys can be covalently coupled to a polypeptide chain by standard polypeptide synthesis chemistry. In one embodiment, Pam3Cys is covalently linked to an antigenic polypeptide through direct covalent linkage via an amide bond formed between the carboxylic acid of Pam3Cys-OH (commercially available from Bachem, Inc.) to the N-terminal of a peptide. A convenient way to accomplish this reaction is to couple Pam3 Cys-OH in the presence of an amide bond forming reagent such as HBTU (O-Benzotriazole-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-uronium-hexafluoro-phosphate), HATU (2-(1H-7-Azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl uronium hexafluorophosphate Methanaminium), or DIPCDI (N,N′-Diisopropylcarbodiimide) to a synthetic peptide on a solid phase synthesis resin bead. The progress of the coupling reaction can be monitored colorimetrically by ninhydrin assay and, following completion, excess Pam3Cys-OH and other reagents can be washed away. The synthetic Pam3Cys peptide conjugate is cleaved from the resin and purified by chromatography. For example, Pam3Cys peptides can be purified by reverse phase HPLC using a C4 column and a water/isopropanol gradient. An advantage of this approach is that the Pam3Cys/antigenic polypeptide is strictly controlled in a 1:1 ratio.

In another embodiment, Pam3Cys-OH is conjugated specifically to the side chain ε-amine of lysine residue, either specifically to a resin bound peptide as described above, or nonspecifically to an unprotected peptide or protein using water soluble coupling reagent such as EDC/sulfo-NHS. The product of that reaction is purified, for example, by gel permeation chromatography or dialysis, then incorporated into a particle by LBL or other methods.

In yet another embodiment, Pam3Cys-OH is conjugated to a highly charged polyelectrolyte such as polylysine and then incorporated into an LBL film along with one or more designed peptides. Thus, Pam3Cys, for example, is amide conjugated to a sequence containing a surplus of charge such as a polylysine segment of about four to about forty residues in length and purified as described above, or in the case of Pam3Cys-Ser-Lys-Lys-Lys-Lys-OH (Pam3Cys-SK₄) purchased from a commercial vendor (EMD Biosciences). Peptides such as these could be incorporated into a film in a step before, during, or after incorporation of the antigenic determinant region. The advantage of this approach would be that only one or (or perhaps several) Pam3Cys polyelectrolyte peptides could be used in any combination with antigenic designed polypeptides, greatly simplifying synthesis. In addition, the Pam3Cys/antigenic designed polypeptide stoichiometry can be varied as desired to optimize potency or minimize toxicities.

In yet another embodiment, commercially available Pam3Cys reagents Pam3Cys-OH or Pam3Cys-SK₄ could be incorporated into particles directly through a non-LBL process. These include during particle precipitation (for example during the precipitation of core particles such as CaCO₃), particle fabrication (for example during water-in-oil dispersion of PLGA), or liposome fabrication. Finally, it is possible that the hydrophobicity of the Pam3Cys could drive adsorption to a surface. Thus simple incubation of particles in Pam3Cys-OH or Pam3Cys-SK₄ solutions could result in an antigenic particle with incorporated TLR-2 ligand.

In another embodiment, conjugation of monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) to a designed peptide is possible and appropriate chemistries are known in the art. These chemistries allow for the specific conjugation of MPLA derivatives to modified DPs via the azide/alkyne cycloaddition reaction (click chemistry), which occurs readily and efficiently in aqueous buffers (Guo et al. US20090239378, incorporated herein by reference). Tumor associated carbohydrate antigen conjugates to MPLA have been made using this technology and resulting conjugates shown to be immunogenic in mice.

Alternatively, due to its highly hydrophobic nature MPLA will adsorb efficiently to surfaces. Thus, a dilute solution of MPLA, for example 10-100 μg/mL in dilute neutral aqueous buffers will adsorb to a suspension of CaCO₃ microparticles coated with designed peptide films. The efficiency of the loading process can be monitored either by chemical methods or by a cell-based bioassay.

In another embodiment, imiquimod analogs have been conjugated to monoclonal antibodies (Stoermer et al. US20090035323, incorporated herein by reference). These conjugates show immune response modulating capacity indicating that sufficient TLR-7 activity is retained in the imiquimod analog to potentiate the immune response. Similar conjugates could be made with designed peptides and incorporated into vaccine particles. In addition, conjugates to imiquimod with labile linkers have been envisioned (Stoermer et al. 20100158928, incorporated herein by reference). In these examples the imiquimod would play the role of a prodrug. In the conjugate form, the imiquimod analog is inactive, but upon cleavage of the labile linker (by either a chemical or enzymatic process) active soluble imiquimod is released for immune stimulation.

In another embodiment, soluble imiquimod is incorporated into particles by co-precipitation with a core such as CaCO₃. The solubility of imiquimod in water decreases rapidly at and above pH 6. Thus mixing a solution of CaCl₂ and imiquimod at pH 5 with a solution of Na₂CO₃ will result in CaCO₃ particles with imiquimod entrapped in the salt at neutral and slightly alkaline pH. Phagocytosis of the particles would place them in acidic compartments which will slowly dissolve the CaCO₃ and release soluble imiquimod.

In another embodiment, a substrate such as a template core has deposited thereon a TLR ligand prior to deposition of polyelectrolyte layers. In another embodiment, a TLR ligand is co-deposited with one or more polyelectrolyte layers during assembly of the multilayer film.

Polyelectrolyte multilayer films are thin films (e.g., a few nanometers to micrometers thick) composed of alternating layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. Such films can be formed by layer-by-layer assembly on a suitable substrate. In electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly (“LBL”), the physical basis of association of polyelectrolytes is electrostatic attraction. Film buildup is possible because the sign of the surface charge density of the film reverses on deposition of successive layers. The generality and relative simplicity of the LBL film process permits the deposition of many different types of polyelectrolyte onto many different types of surface. Polypeptide multilayer films are a subset of polyelectrolyte multilayer films, comprising at least one layer comprising a charged polypeptide, herein referred to as a designed polypeptide. A key advantage of polypeptide multilayer films over films made from other polymers is their biocompatibility. LBL films can also be used for encapsulation. Applications of polypeptide films and microcapsules include, for example, nano-reactors, biosensors, artificial cells, and drug delivery vehicles.

The term “polyelectrolyte” includes polycationic and polyanionic materials having a molecular weight of greater than 1,000 and at least 5 charges per molecule. Suitable polycationic materials include, for example, polypeptides and polyamines. Polyamines include, for example, a polypeptide such as poly-L-lysine (PLL) or poly-L-ornithine, polyvinyl amine, poly(aminostyrene), poly(aminoacrylate), poly (N-methyl aminoacrylate), poly (N-ethylaminoacrylate), poly(N,N-dimethyl aminoacrylate), poly(N,N-diethylaminoacrylate), poly(aminomethacrylate), poly(N-methyl amino-methacrylate), poly(N-ethyl aminomethacrylate), poly(N,N-dimethyl aminomethacrylate), poly(N,N-diethyl aminomethacrylate), poly(ethyleneimine), poly (diallyl dimethylammonium chloride), poly(N,N,N-trimethylaminoacrylate chloride), poly(methyacrylamidopropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride), chitosan and combinations comprising one or more of the foregoing polycationic materials. Suitable polyanionic materials include, for example, a polypeptide such as poly-L-glutamic acid (PGA) and poly-L-aspartic acid, a nucleic acid such as DNA and RNA, alginate, carrageenan, furcellaran, pectin, xanthan, hyaluronic acid, heparin, heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, dextran sulfate, poly(meth)acrylic acid, oxidized cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, acidic polysaccharides, and croscarmelose, synthetic polymers and copolymers containing pendant carboxyl groups, and combinations comprising one or more of the foregoing polyanionic materials. In one embodiment, the polypeptide epitope and the polyelectrolyte have the same sign of charge.

In one embodiment, one or more polyelectrolyte layers of the film, optionally including the polyelectrolyte comprising the polypeptide epitope, is a designed polypeptide. In one embodiment, the design principles for polypeptides suitable for electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition are elucidated in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0069950, incorporated herein by reference for its teaching of polypeptide multilayer films. Briefly, the primary design concerns are the length and charge of the polypeptide. Electrostatics is the most important design concern because it is the basis of LBL. Without suitable charge properties, a polypeptide may not be substantially soluble in aqueous solution at pH 4 to 10 and cannot readily be used for the fabrication of a multilayer film by LBL. Other design concerns include the physical structure of the polypeptides, the physical stability of the films formed from the polypeptides, and the biocompatibility and bioactivity of the films and the constituent polypeptides.

A designed polypeptide means a polypeptide that has sufficient charge for stable binding to an oppositely charged surface, that is, a polypeptide that can be deposited into a layer of a multilayer film wherein the driving force for film formation is electrostatics. A short stable film is a film that once formed, retains more than half its components after incubation at in PBS at 37° C. for 24 hours. In specific embodiments, a designed polypeptide is at least 15 amino acids in length and the magnitude of the net charge per residue of the polypeptide is greater than or equal to 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5 at pH 7.0. Positively-charged (basic) naturally-occurring amino acids at pH 7.0 are arginine (Arg), histidine (H is), ornithine (Orn), and lysine (Lys). Negatively-charged (acidic) naturally-occurring amino acid residues at pH 7.0 are glutamic acid (Glu) and aspartic acid (Asp). A mixture of amino acid residues of opposite charge can be employed so long as the overall net ratio of charge meets the specified criteria. In one embodiment, a designed polypeptide is not a homopolymer. In another embodiment, a designed polypeptide is unbranched.

One design concern is control of the stability of polypeptide LBL films. Ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, van der Waals interactions, and hydrophobic interactions contribute to the stability of multilayer films. In addition, covalent disulfide bonds formed between sulfhydryl-containing amino acids in the polypeptides within the same layer or in adjacent layers can increase structural strength. Sulfhydryl-containing amino acids include cysteine and homocysteine and these residues can be readily incorporated into synthetic designed peptides. In addition sulfhydryl groups can be incorporated into polyelectrolyte homopolymers such as poly-L-lysine or poly-L-glutamic acid by methods well described in the literature. Sulfhydryl-containing amino acids can be used to “lock” (bond together) and “unlock” layers of a multilayer polypeptide film by a change in oxidation potential. Also, the incorporation of a sulfhydryl-containing amino acid in a designed polypeptide enables the use of relatively short peptides in thin film fabrication, by virtue of intermolecular disulfide bond formation.

In one embodiment, the designed sulfhydryl-containing polypeptides, whether synthesized chemically or produced in a host organism, are assembled by LBL in the presence of a reducing agent to prevent premature disulfide bond formation. Following film assembly, the reducing agent is removed and an oxidizing agent is added. In the presence of the oxidizing agent disulfide bonds form between sulfhydryl groups, thereby “locking” together the polypeptides within layers and between layers where thiol groups are present. Suitable reducing agents include dithiothreitol (DTT), 2-mercaptoethanol (BME), reduced glutathione, tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP), and combinations of more than one of these chemicals. Suitable oxidizing agents include oxidized glutathione, tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP), thimerosal, diamide, 5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitro-benzoic acid) (DTNB), 4,4′-dithiodipyridine, sodium bromate, hydrogen peroxide, sodium tetrathionate, porphyrindin, sodium orthoiodosobenzoate, and combinations of more than one of these chemicals.

As an alternative to disulfide bonds, chemistries that produce other covalent bonds can be used to stabilize LBL films. For films comprised of polypeptides, chemistries that produce amide bonds are particularly useful. In the presence of appropriate coupling reagents, acidic amino acids (those with side chains containing carboxylic acid groups such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid) will react with amino acids whose side chains contain amine groups (such as lysine and ornithine) to form amide bonds. Amide bonds are more stable than disulfide bonds under biological conditions and amide bonds will not undergo exchange reactions. Many reagents can be used to activate polypeptide side chains for amide bonding. Carbodiimide reagents, such as the water soluble 1-ethyl-3-β-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) will react with aspartic acid or glutamic acid at slightly acidic pH, forming an intermediate product that will react irreversibly with an amine to produce an amide bond. Additives such as N-hydroxysuccinimide are often added to the reaction to accelerate the rate and efficiency of amide formation. After the reaction the soluble reagents are removed from the nanoparticles or microparticles by centrifugation and aspiration. Examples of other coupling reagents include diisopropylcarbodiimide, HBTU, HATU, HCTU, TBTU, and PyBOP. Examples of other additives include sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimide, 1-hydroxbenzotriazole, and 1-hydroxy-7-aza-benzotriazole. The extent of amide cross linking can be controlled by modulating the stoichiometry of the coupling reagents, the time of reaction, or the temperature of the reaction, and can be monitored by techniques such as Fourier transform—infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).

Covalently cross-linked LBL films have desirable properties such as increased stability. Greater stability allows for more stringent conditions to be used during nanoparticle, microparticle, nanocapsule, or microcapsule fabrication. Examples of stringent conditions include high temperatures, low temperatures, cryogenic temperatures, high centrifugation speeds, high salt buffers, high pH buffers, low pH buffers, filtration, and long term storage.

A method of making a polyelectrolyte multilayer film comprises depositing a plurality of layers of oppositely charged chemical species on a substrate. In one embodiment, at least one layer comprises a designed polypeptide. Successively deposited polyelectrolytes will have opposite net charges. In one embodiment, deposition of a polyelectrolyte comprises exposing the substrate to an aqueous solution comprising a polyelectrolyte at a pH at which it has a suitable net charge for LBL. In other embodiments, the deposition of a polyelectrolyte on the substrate is achieved by sequential spraying of solutions of oppositely charged polypeptides. In yet other embodiments, deposition on the substrate is by simultaneous spraying of solutions of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes.

In the LBL method of forming a multilayer film, the opposing charges of the adjacent layers provide the driving force for assembly. It is not critical that polyelectrolytes in opposing layers have the same net linear charge density, only that opposing layers have opposite charges. One standard film assembly procedure by deposition includes forming aqueous solutions of the polyions at a pH at which they are ionized (i.e., pH 4-10), providing a substrate bearing a surface charge, and alternating immersion of the substrate into the charged polyelectrolyte solutions. The substrate is optionally washed in between deposition of alternating layers.

The concentration of polyelectrolyte suitable for deposition of the polyelectrolyte can readily be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. An exemplary concentration is 0.1 to 10 mg/mL. For typical non-polypeptide polyelectrolytes such as poly(acrylic acid) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride), typical layer thicknesses are about 3 to about 5 Å, depending on the ionic strength of solution. Short polyelectrolytes typically form thinner layers than long polyelectrolytes. Regarding film thickness, polyelectrolyte film thickness depends on humidity as well as the number of layers and composition of the film. For example, PLL/PGA films 50 nm thick shrink to 1.6 nm upon drying with nitrogen. In general, films of 1 nm to 100 nm or more in thickness can be formed depending on the hydration state of the film and the molecular weight of the polyelectrolytes employed in the assembly.

In addition, the number of layers required to form a stable polyelectrolyte multilayer film will depend on the polyelectrolytes in the film. For films comprising only low molecular weight polypeptide layers, a film will typically have 4 or more bilayers of oppositely charged polypeptides. For films comprising high molecular weight polyelectrolytes such as poly(acrylic acid) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride), films comprising a single bilayer of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte can be stable. Studies have shown that polyelectrolyte films are dynamic. The polyelectrolytes contained within a film can migrate between layers and can exchange with soluble polyelectrolytes of like charge when suspended in a polyelectrolyte solution. Moreover polyelectrolyte films can disassemble or dissolve in response to a change in environment such as temperature, pH, ionic strength, or oxidation potential of the suspension buffer. Thus some polyelectrolytes and particularly peptide polyelectrolytes exhibit transient stability. The stability of peptide polyelectrolyte films can be monitored by suspending the films in a suitable buffer under controlled conditions for a fixed period of time, and then measuring the amounts of the peptides within the film with a suitable assay such as amino acid analysis, HPLC assay, or fluorescence assay. Peptide polyelectrolyte films are most stable under conditions that are relevant to their storage and usage as vaccines, for example in neutral buffers and at ambient temperatures such as 4° C. to 37° C. Under these conditions stable peptide polyelectrolyte films will retain most of their component peptides for at least 24 hours and often up to 14 days and beyond.

In one embodiment, a designed polypeptide comprises one or more surface adsorption regions covalently linked to one or more polypeptide epitopes, wherein the designed polypeptide and the one or more surface adsorption regions have the same sign of charge, that is, are both positively or both negatively charged overall. As used herein, a surface adsorption region is a charged region of a designed polypeptide that advantageously provides sufficient charge so that a peptide containing a polypeptide epitope, for example, can be deposited into a multilayer film. In one embodiment, the one or more surface adsorption regions and the one or more polypeptide epitopes have the same net polarity. In another embodiment, the solubility of the designed polypeptide at pH 4 to 10 is greater than or equal to about 0.1 mg/mL. In another embodiment, the solubility of the designed polypeptide at pH 4 to 10 is greater than or equal to about 1 mg/mL. The solubility is a practical limitation to facilitate deposition of the polypeptides from aqueous solution. A practical upper limit on the degree of polymerization of an antigenic polypeptide is about 1,000 residues. It is conceivable, however, that longer composite polypeptides could be realized by an appropriate method of synthesis.

In one embodiment, a designed polypeptide comprises a single polypeptide epitope flanked by two surface adsorption regions, an N-terminal surface adsorption region and a C-terminal surface adsorption region. In another embodiment, a designed polypeptide comprises a single polypeptide epitope flanked by one surface adsorption region linked to the N-terminus of the polypeptide epitope. In another embodiment, a designed polypeptide comprises a single antigenic polypeptide epitope flanked by one surface adsorption regions linked to the C-terminus of the polypeptide epitope.

Each of the independent regions (e.g., polypeptide epitopes and surface adsorption regions) of the designed polypeptide can be synthesized separately by solution phase peptide synthesis, solid phase peptide synthesis, or genetic engineering of a suitable host organism. Solution phase peptide synthesis is the method used for production of most of the approved peptide pharmaceuticals on the market today. A combination of solution phase and solid phase methods can be used to synthesize relatively long peptides and even small proteins. Peptide synthesis companies have the expertise and experience to synthesize difficult peptides on a fee-for-service basis. The syntheses are performed under good manufacturing practices (GMP) conditions and at a scale suitable for clinical trials and commercial drug launch.

Alternatively, the various independent regions can be synthesized together as a single polypeptide chain by solution-phase peptide synthesis, solid phase peptide synthesis or genetic engineering of a suitable host organism. The choice of approach in any particular case will be a matter of convenience or economics.

If the various polypeptide epitopes and surface adsorption regions are synthesized separately, once purified, for example, by ion exchange chromatography or by high performance liquid chromatography, they are joined by peptide bond synthesis. That is, the N-terminus of the surface adsorption region and the C-terminus of the polypeptide epitope are covalently joined to produce the designed polypeptide. Alternatively, the C-terminus of the surface adsorption region and the N-terminus of the polypeptide epitope are covalently joined to produce the designed polypeptide. The individual fragments can be synthesized by solid phase methods and obtained as fully protected, fully unprotected, or partially protected segments. The segments can be covalently joined in a solution phase reaction or solid phase reaction. If one polypeptide fragment contains a cysteine as its N-terminal residue and the other polypeptide fragment contains a thioester or a thioester precursor at its C-terminal residue the two fragments will couple spontaneously in solution by a specific reaction commonly known (to those skilled in the art) as Native Ligation. Native Ligation is a particularly attractive option for designed peptide synthesis because it can be performed with fully deprotected or partially protected peptide fragments in aqueous solution and at dilute concentrations.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide epitopes and/or surface adsorption regions are joined by peptidic or non-peptidic linkages as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,723,294, incorporated herein by reference for its teaching of the use of non-peptidic linkages to join segments of polypeptides for use in multilayer films. Suitable non-peptidic linkers include, for example, alkyl linkers such as —NH—(CH₂)_(s)—C(O)—, wherein s=2-20. Alkyl linkers are optionally substituted by a non-sterically hindering group such as lower alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₆), lower acyl, halogen (e.g., Cl, Br), CN, NH₂, phenyl, and the like. Another exemplary non-peptidic linker is a polyethylene glycol linker such as —NH—(CH₂—CH₂—O)_(n), —C(O)— wherein n is such that the linker has a molecular weight of 100 to 5000 Da, specifically 100 to 500 Da. Many of the linkers described herein are available from commercial vendors in a form suitable for use in solid phase peptide synthesis.

In one embodiment, one or more of the polypeptide epitopes is covalently attached to one or more of the polyelectrolyes, such as a polypeptide or other polyelectrolyte, through covalent bonds. Examples of suitable covalent bonds include amides, esters, ethers, thioethers, and disulfides. One skilled in the art can take advantage of a range of functional groups found within the epitope peptide to engineer a bond to a suitable electrolyte. For instance, a carboxylic acid in the epitope peptide can be found either at the C-terminal or on the side chain of amino acids aspartic acid or glutamic acid. Carboxylic acids can be activated with suitable peptide coupling reagents such as 1-ethyl-3-β-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) for reaction with primary or secondary amines that are found in peptide polyelectrolytes such as poly-L-lysine. The resulting amide bond is stable under ambient conditions. Conversely, the acid groups in a peptide polyelectrolyte can be activated with EDC for reaction with amine groups in the epitope peptide. Useful amine groups can be found at the epitope peptide's N-terminal or on the side chain of lysine residues.

Epitope peptides can also be attached to polyelectrolytes via disulfide bonds. Polyelectrolytes such as PGA or PLL can be chemically modified so that a fraction of their side chains contain sulfhydryl groups. In the presence of a suitable oxidant, those sulfydryls will react with the sulfhydryl group of a cysteine residue contained within the epitope peptide. The cysteine can either be a native cysteine from the protein sequence of a pathogen such as a Plasmodium protozoan or it can be a non-native cysteine that was intentionally incorporated into the epitope during peptide synthesis. Suitable oxidants include DTNB, 2,2′-dithiopyridine, hydrogen peroxide, cystine, and oxidized glutathione. The attachment of epitope peptides to polyelectrolytes via disulfide bonds is particularly useful. The disulfides are stable under normal conditions of film fabrication and storage but are readily cleaved by reducing agents found naturally in cells, which frees up the epitope peptide for immune processing.

Epitope peptides can also be attached to polyelectrolytes via thioether bonds. Synthetic epitope peptides can be synthesized with appropriate electrophiles such as haloacetyl groups which react specifically with sulfhydryls. For instance, an epitope peptide containing a chloroacetyl at its N-terminal will form a stable bond to sulfhydryl bearing polyelectrolytes such as PGA-SH described above.

Epitope peptides can also be attached covalently to polyelectrolytes through bifunctional linker molecules. Bifunctional linkers usually contain two electrophilic groups that can react with nucleophiles present on either the epitope peptide or the polyelectrolyte molecule. Two classes of linker molecules are sold commercially, homobifunctional linkers and heterobifunctional linkers. Homobifunctional linkers contain two copies of an electrophilic group joined by a nonreactive spacer. Often the electophiles are active esters, such as N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters or sulfo-N-hyrdoxysuccinimide esters (sulfo NHS) which react with nucleophilic amines. Examples of homobifunctional NHS esters include bis(sulfosuccinimidyl) suberate, disuccinimidyl glutarate, dithiobis(succinimidyl) propionate, disuccinimidyl suberate, disuccinimidyl tartrate. Sometimes the electophiles are aldehyde groups that form imides with nucleophilic amines on the epitope and polyelectrolyte molecules. The imide bonds are transiently stable but can be converted to stable structures with reducing agents such as sodium borohydride or catalytic hydrogenation. The most commonly used homobifunctional aldehyde linker is glutaraldehyde.

Other commonly used homobifunctional linkers contain electrophiles that react specifically with nucleophilic thiols, which can be used to link cysteine containing epitope peptides to sulfhydryl containing polyelectrolytes as described above. Examples of sulfhydryl specific homobifunctional linkers include 1,4-bismaleimidobutane, 1,4 bismaleimidyl-2,3-dihydroxybutane, vbismaleimidohexane, bis-maleimidoethane, 1,4-di-[3′-(2′-pyridyldithio)-propionamido]butane, dithio-bismaleimidoethane, 1,6-hexane-bis-vinylsulfone.

Members of the heterobifunctional class of cross linking reagents contain two different reactivity groups, often but not always electrophiles, which react specifically with different functional groups in substrate molecules. Particularly useful are linkers that contain one electrophilic group that is specific for a sulfhydryl and another electrophile that is specific for an amine Examples of these reagents include N-sulfosuccinimidyl[4-iodoacetyl]aminobenzoate, N-succinimidyl[4-iodoacetyl]aminobenzoate, succinimidyl 3-[bromoacetamido]propionate, N-succinimidyl iodoacetate, sulfosuccinimidyl 4-[N-maleimidomethyl]cyclohexane-1-carboxylate, succinimidyl 4-[N-maleimidomethyl]cyclohexane-1-carboxylate, ([N-e-maleimidocaproyloxy]sulfosuccinimide ester, m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide ester, N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)-propionate, succinimidyl 6-(3-[2-pyridyldithio]-propionamido)hexanoate, 4-succinimidyloxycarbonyl-methyl-a-[2-pyridyldithio]toluene.

The wide range of functionality that is normally present in both epitope peptides and polyelectrolytes or which can easily be installed in either molecule allows one to choose a linking strategy that best fits the substrates of interest. A likely example is the linking of a cysteine containing epitope peptide to PLL.

The polypeptide segments can be joined in a variety of ways, depending upon the chemistry of the non-peptidic linker. For example, the N-terminus of the first polypeptide segment is joined to the C-terminus of the second polypeptide segment; the N-terminus of the first polypeptide segment is joined to the N-terminus of the second polypeptide segment; the C-terminus of the first polypeptide segment is joined to the C-terminus of the second polypeptide segment; the C-terminus of the first polypeptide segment is joined to the N-terminus of the second polypeptide segment; the C-terminus or the N-terminus of the first polypeptide segment is joined to a pendant side chain of the second polypeptide segment; or the C-terminus or the N-terminus of the second polypeptide segment is joined to a pendant side chain of the first polypeptide segment. Regardless of the point of attachment, however, the first and second segments are covalently joined by a non-peptidic linker.

In one embodiment, a designed polypeptide is a unique combination of covalently attached one or more surface adsorption region(s) and one or more polypeptide epitope(s). There is no particular limitation on the length of the polypeptide epitopes, which can be linear epitopes or conformational epitopes. Epitopes can comprise anywhere from about three amino acid resides up to several hundred amino acid residues for complex conformational epitopes.

In one embodiment, a designed polypeptide comprises one polypeptide epitope and one surface adsorption region. In another embodiment, a designed polypeptide comprises one polypeptide epitope and two surface adsorption regions, one attached to the N-terminus of the polypeptide epitope and one attached to the C-terminus of the polypeptide epitope. The purpose of the surface adsorption region(s) is to enable adsorption of the polypeptide onto an oppositely charged surface in order to build a multilayer film.

The number of surface adsorption regions in a designed polypeptide relative to the number and/or length of the polypeptide epitopes is related to the solubility requirement. For example, if the polypeptide epitope is a short amino acid sequence of, for example, three amino acid residues, only one surface adsorption region of at least eight amino acid residues will be required to adsorb the designed polypeptide onto a suitably charged surface. If, by contrast, the polypeptide epitope is a soluble folded structural domain of a protein comprising, for example, 120 amino acid residues, two surface adsorption regions may be required to impart enough charge for the designed polypeptide to be water soluble and suitable for adsorption. The surface adsorption regions could be contiguous and located at the N-terminus of the domain, contiguous and located at the C-terminus of the domain, or noncontiguous with one at the N-terminus and one at the C-terminus. Additionally, a polypeptide epitope may contain a charged segment (either negatively charged or positively charged) within its native sequence that can serve as a surface adsorption region.

A polypeptide or antigen may contain one or more distinct antigenic determinants. An antigenic determinant may refer to an immunogenic portion of a multichain protein.

Methods and techniques for determining the location and composition of an antigenic determinant or epitope for a specific antibody are well known in the art. These techniques can be used to identify and/or characterize epitopes for use as polypeptide epitopes. In one embodiment, mapping/characterization methods of an epitope for an antigen specific antibody can be determined by epitope “foot-printing” using chemical modification of the exposed amines/carboxyls in the antigenic protein. One example of such a foot-printing technique is the use of HXMS (hydrogen-deuterium exchange detected by mass spectrometry) wherein a hydrogen/deuterium exchange of receptor and ligand protein amide protons, binding, and back exchange occurs, wherein the backbone amide groups participating in protein binding are protected from back exchange and therefore will remain deuteriated. Relevant regions may be identified at this point by peptic proteolysis, fast microbore high-performance liquid chromatography separation, and/or electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

In another embodiment, a suitable epitope identification technique is nuclear magnetic resonance epitope mapping (NMR), where typically the position of the signals in two-dimensional NMR spectra of the free antigen and the antigen complexed with the antigen binding peptide, such as an antibody, are compared. The antigen typically is selectively isotopically labeled with ¹⁵N so that only signals corresponding to the antigen and no signals from the antigen binding peptide are seen in the NMR spectrum. Antigen signals originating from amino acids involved in the interaction with the antigen binding peptide typically will shift position in the spectra of the complex compared to the spectra of the free antigen, and the amino acids involved in the binding may be identified that way.

In another embodiment, epitope mapping/characterization may be done by peptide scanning. In this approach, a series of overlapping peptides spanning the full length of the polypeptide chain of an antigen are prepared and tested individually with regard to immunogenicity. The antibody titer of the corresponding peptide antigen is determined by a standard method, e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The various peptides can then be ranked with regard to immunogenicity, providing an empirical basis for selection of peptide design for vaccine development.

In another embodiment, protease digestion techniques may also be useful in the context of epitope mapping and identification. Antigenic determinant-relevant regions/sequences may be determined by protease digestion, e.g. by using trypsin in a ratio of about 1:50 to antigenic protein overnight (O/N) digestion at 37° C. and pH 7-8, followed by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis for peptide identification. The peptides protected from trypsin cleavage by the antigenic protein may subsequently be identified by comparison of samples subjected to trypsin digestion and samples incubated with CD38BP and then subjected to digestion by e.g. trypsin (thereby revealing a foot print for the binder). Other enzymes like chymotrypsin, pepsin, etc., may also or alternatively be used in a similar epitope characterization method. Moreover, protease digestion can provide a quick method for determining the location of a potential antigenic determinant sequence within a known antigenic protein using a known antibody. In another embodiment, protease digestion techniques may also be useful in the context of epitope mapping and identification.

Further disclosed herein is an immunogenic composition, said immunogenic composition comprising a multilayer film comprising two or more layers of polyelectrolytes, wherein adjacent layers comprise oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, wherein one layer comprises a polypeptide epitope. The immunogenic composition optionally further comprises one or more layers comprising a designed polypeptide.

In one embodiment, an immunogenic composition comprises a plurality of polypeptide epitopes, either on the same or different polyelectrolytes, for example, designed polypeptides. The plurality of antigenic determinants may be from the same or different infectious agents. In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition comprises a plurality of unique antigenic polyelectrolytes. In another embodiment, the immunogenic composition comprises a plurality of immunogenic polyelectrolytes comprising multiple polypeptide epitopes within each polyelectrolyte. An advantage of these immunogenic compositions is that multiple antigenic determinants or multiple conformations of a single linear antigenic determinant can be present in a single synthetic vaccine particle. Such compositions with multiple antigenic determinants can potentially yield antibodies against multiple epitopes, increasing the odds that at least some of the antibodies generated by the immune system of the organism will neutralize the pathogen or target specific antigens on cancer cells, for example.

The immunogenicity of an immunogenic composition may be enhanced in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the multilayer film optionally comprises one or more additional immunogenic bioactive molecules. Although not necessary, the one or more additional immunogenic bioactive molecules will typically comprise one or more additional antigenic determinants. Suitable additional immunogenic bioactive molecules include, for example, a drug, a protein, an oligonucleotide, a nucleic acid, a lipid, a phospholipid, a carbohydrate, a polysaccharide, a lipopolysaccharide, a low molecular weight immune stimulatory molecule, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing bioactive molecules. Other types of additional immune enhancers include a functional membrane fragment, a membrane structure, a virus, a pathogen, a cell, an aggregate of cells, an organelle, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing bioactive structures.

In one embodiment, the multilayer film optionally comprises one or more additional bioactive molecules. The one or more additional bioactive molecule can be a drug. Alternatively, the immunogenic composition is in the form of a hollow shell or a coating surrounding a core. The core comprises a variety of different encapsulants, for example, one or more additional bioactive molecules, including, for example, a drug. Thus, the immunogenic compositions designed as described herein could also be used for combined therapy, e.g., eliciting an immune response and for targeted drug delivery. Micron-sized “cores” of a suitable therapeutic material in “crystalline” form can be encapsulated by immunogenic composition comprising the antigenic polypeptides, and the resulting microcapsules could be used for drug delivery. The core may be insoluble under some conditions, for instance high pH or low temperature, and soluble under the conditions where controlled release will occur. The surface charge on the crystals can be determined by ζ-potential measurements (used to determine the charge in electrostatic units on colloidal particles in a liquid medium). The rate at which microcapsule contents are released from the interior of the microcapsule to the surrounding environment will depend on a number of factors, including the thickness of the encapsulating shell, the antigenic polypeptides used in the shell, the presence of disulfide bonds, the extent of cross-linking of peptides, temperature, ionic strength, and the method used to assemble the peptides. Generally, the thicker the capsule, the longer the release time.

In another embodiment, the additional immunogenic biomolecule is a nucleic acid sequence capable of directing host organism synthesis of a desired immunogen or interfering with the expression of genetic information from a pathogen. In the former case, such a nucleic acid sequence is, for example, inserted into a suitable expression vector by methods known to those skilled in the art. Expression vectors suitable for producing high efficiency gene transfer in vivo include retroviral, adenoviral and vaccinia viral vectors. Operational elements of such expression vectors include at least one promoter, at least one operator, at least one leader sequence, at least one terminator codon, and any other DNA sequences necessary or preferred for appropriate transcription and subsequent translation of the vector nucleic acid. In particular, it is contemplated that such vectors will contain at least one origin of replication recognized by the host organism along with at least one selectable marker and at least one promoter sequence capable of initiating transcription of the nucleic acid sequence. In the latter case, multiple copies of such a nucleic acid sequence will be prepared for delivery, for example, by encapsulation of the nucleic acids within a polypeptide multilayer film in the form of a capsule for intravenous delivery.

In construction of a recombinant expression vector, it should additionally be noted that multiple copies of the nucleic acid sequence of interest and its attendant operational elements may be inserted into each vector. In such an embodiment, the host organism would produce greater amounts per vector of the desired protein. The number of multiple copies of the nucleic acid sequence which may be inserted into the vector is limited only by the ability of the resultant vector due to its size, to be transferred into and replicated and transcribed in an appropriate host microorganism.

In a further embodiment, the immunogenic composition comprises a mixture of antigenic polyelectrolytes/immunogenic bioactive molecules. These may be derived from the same antigen, they may be different antigens from the same infectious agent or disease, or they may be from different infectious agents or diseases. The complex or mixture will therefore raise an immune response against a number of antigens and possibly a number of infectious agents or diseases as specified by the antigenic peptide/protein components of the delivery system.

In one embodiment, the multilayer film/immunogenic composition evokes a response from the immune system to a pathogen. In one embodiment, a vaccine composition comprises an immunogenic composition in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Thus a method of vaccination against a pathogenic disease comprises the administering to a subject in need of vaccination an effective amount of the immunogenic composition.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, large, slowly metabolized macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, polylactic acids, polyglycolic acids, polymeric amino acids, amino acid copolymers, inactive virus particles, and the like. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can also be used in the composition, for example, mineral salts such as hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, phosphates, or sulfates, as well as the salts of organic acids such as acetates, proprionates, malonates, or benzoates. The composition can also contain liquids, such as water, saline, glycerol, and ethanol, as well as substances such as wetting agents, emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents. Liposomes can also be used as carriers.

A method of eliciting an immune response against a disease or pathogen in a vertebrate (e.g., vaccination) comprises administering an immunogenic composition comprising a multilayer film comprising a polypeptide epitope. In one embodiment, the polyelectrolyte containing the polypeptide epitope is in the most exterior or solvent-exposed layer of the multilayer film. The immunogenic composition can be administered orally, intranasally, intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, sublingually, intradermally, pulmonary, or transdermally, either with or without a booster dose. Generally, the compositions are administered in a manner compatible with the dosage formulation, and in such amount as will be prophylactically and/or therapeutically effective. Precise amounts of immunogenic composition to be administered depend on the judgment of the practitioner and may be peculiar to each subject. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the therapeutically effective amount of an immunogenic composition will depend, inter alia, upon the administration schedule, the unit dose of antigen administered, whether the compositions are administered in combination with other therapeutic agents, and the immune status and health of the recipient. A therapeutically effective dosage can be determined by the ordinary skilled medical worker based on patient characteristics (age, weight, sex, condition, complications, other diseases, etc.), as is well known in the art. Furthermore, as further routine studies are conducted, more specific information will emerge regarding appropriate dosage levels for treatment of various conditions in various patients, and the ordinary skilled worker, considering the therapeutic context, age and general health of the recipient, is able to ascertain proper dosing.

The immunogenic composition optionally comprises an adjuvant. Adjuvants in general comprise substances that boost the immune response of the host in a non-specific manner. Selection of an adjuvant depends on the subject to be vaccinated. Preferably, a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant is used. For example, a vaccine for a human should avoid oil or hydrocarbon emulsion adjuvants, including complete and incomplete Freund's adjuvant. One example of an adjuvant suitable for use with humans is alum (alumina gel). A vaccine for an animal, however, may contain adjuvants not appropriate for use with humans.

It is contemplated that an immune response may be elicited via presentation of any protein or peptide capable of eliciting such a response. In one embodiment, the antigen is a key epitope, which gives rise to a strong immune response to a particular agent of infectious disease, i.e., an immunodominant epitope. If desired, more than one antigen or epitope may be included in the immunogenic composition in order to increase the likelihood of an immune response.

In one embodiment, multiple polypeptide epitopes are incorporated into an LBL film. The distinct epitopes can by synthesized or expressed within a single designed peptide molecule. Placing multiple epitopes within a single designed peptide is expected to have certain advantages. For example it should simplify the LBL fabrication process and increase reproducibility. Additionally, placing multiple epitopes within a single designed peptide will lock the molar ratios of the distinct epitopes in a desired ratio, for example 1:1.

Alternatively the epitopes can be incorporated into separate designed peptides. The designed peptides are incorporated into an LBL film during one or more layering steps. Fabrication of films using multiple distinct designed peptides can also present certain advantages. It should simplify designed peptide synthesis reducing costs. It will also enable the relative doses of each designed peptide within the film to be varied and optimized. If, for example, preclinical or clinical biological data indicated that an optimal vaccine should contain five copies of one epitope to every copy of a second epitope (5:1 ratio) the separate epitope designed peptide approach would facilitate the manufacture of such a vaccine.

Designed peptides adsorb to the surface of an LBL films by virtue of the electrostatic attraction between the charged surface adsorption regions(s) of the designed peptide and the oppositely charged surface of the film. The efficiency of adsorption will depend largely upon the composition of the surface adsorption region(s). Thus designed peptides with different epitopes but similar surface adsorption regions(s) will adsorb with similar efficiency. To fabricate a film with two distinct designed peptides each at a 1:1 molar ratio one could mix the peptides at that molar ratio and deposit them simultaneously at a particular layer. Alternatively, one could deposit each peptide individually at separate layers. The molar ratio of peptides adsorbed will largely mirror that relative concentrations at which they were layered or the number of layering steps during which they were incorporated.

The quantity of designed peptides incorporated into an LBL film can be measured in a variety of ways. Quantitative amino acid analysis (AAA) is particularly well suited to this purpose. Films containing designed peptides are decomposed to their constituent amino acids by treatment with concentrated hydrochloric acid (6 M) and heating, typically at 115° C. for 15 hours. The amounts of each amino acid are then measured using chromatographic techniques well known to those skilled in the art. Amino acids that occur in only one of the designed peptides in a film can be used as tracers for that peptide. When designed peptides lack unique amino acids, non-natural amino acids (e.g. aminobutyric acid or homovaline) can be incorporated into designed peptides during synthesis. These tracer amino acids are readily identified during the AAA experiment and can be used to quantitate the amount of peptide in the film.

As used herein, a specific T-cell response is a response that is specific to an epitope of interest, specifically a polypeptide epitope.

As used herein, a specific antibody response is a response that is specific to an epitope of interest, specifically a polypeptide epitope as disclosed herein.

As used herein, “layer” means a thickness increment, e.g., on a template for film formation, following an adsorption step. “Multilayer” means multiple (i.e., two or more) thickness increments. A “polyelectrolyte multilayer film” is a film comprising one or more thickness increments of polyelectrolytes. After deposition, the layers of a multilayer film may not remain as discrete layers. In fact, it is possible that there is significant intermingling of species, particularly at the interfaces of the thickness increments. Intermingling, or absence thereof, can be monitored by analytical techniques such as ζ potential measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.

“Amino acid” means a building block of a polypeptide. As used herein, “amino acid” includes the 20 common naturally occurring L-amino acids, all other natural amino acids, all non-natural amino acids, and all amino acid mimics, e.g., peptoids.

“Naturally occurring amino acids” means glycine plus the 20 common naturally occurring L-amino acids, that is, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, cysteine, methionine, aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, glutamine, arginine, lysine, histidine, phenylalanine, ornithine, tyrosine, tryptophan, and proline.

“Non-natural amino acid” means an amino acid other than any of the 20 common naturally occurring L-amino acids. A non-natural amino acid can have either L- or D-stereochemistry.

“Peptoid,” or N-substituted glycine, means an analog of the corresponding amino acid monomer, with the same side chain as the corresponding amino acid but with the side chain appended to the nitrogen atom of the amino group rather than to the α-carbons of the residue. Consequently, the chemical linkages between monomers in a polypeptoid are not peptide bonds, which can be useful for limiting proteolytic digestion.

“Amino acid sequence” and “sequence” mean a contiguous length of polypeptide chain that is at least two amino acid residues long.

“Residue” means an amino acid in a polymer or oligomer; it is the residue of the amino acid monomer from which the polymer was formed. Polypeptide synthesis involves dehydration, that is, a single water molecule is “lost” on addition of the amino acid to a polypeptide chain.

As used herein “peptide” and “polypeptide” all refer to a series of amino acids connected one to the other by peptide bonds between the alpha-amino and alpha-carboxy groups of adjacent amino acids, and may contain or be free of modifications such as glycosylation, side chain oxidation, or phosphorylation, provided such modifications, or lack thereof, do not destroy immunogenicity. As used herein, the term “peptide” is meant to refer to both a peptide and a polypeptide or protein.

“Designed polypeptide” means a polypeptide that has sufficient charge for stable binding to an oppositely charged surface, that is, a polypeptide that can be deposited into a layer of a multilayer film wherein the driving force for film formation is electrostatics. In specific embodiments, a designed polypeptide is at least 15 amino acids in length and the magnitude of the net charge per residue of the polypeptide is greater than or equal to 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5 at pH 7.0. In one embodiment, the ratio of the number of charged residues of the same polarity minus the number of residues of the opposite polarity to the total number of residues in the polypeptide is greater than or equal to 0.5 at pH 7.0. In other words, the magnitude of the net charge per residue of the polypeptide is greater than or equal to 0.5. While there is no absolute upper limit on the length of the polypeptide, in general, designed polypeptides suitable for LBL deposition have a practical upper length limit of 1,000 residues. Designed polypeptides can include sequences found in nature such as polypeptide epitopes as well as regions that provide functionality to the peptides such as charged regions also referred to herein as surface adsorption regions, which allow the designed polypeptides to be deposited into a polypeptide multilayer film.

“Primary structure” means the contiguous linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain, and “secondary structure” means the more or less regular types of structure in a polypeptide chain stabilized by non-covalent interactions, usually hydrogen bonds. Examples of secondary structure include α-helix, β-sheet, and β-turn.

“Polypeptide multilayer film” means a film comprising one or more designed polypeptides as defined above. For example, a polypeptide multilayer film comprises a first layer comprising a designed polypeptide and a second layer comprising a polyelectrolyte having a net charge of opposite polarity to the designed polypeptide. For example, if the first layer has a net positive charge, the second layer has a net negative charge; and if the first layer has a net negative charge, the second layer has a net positive charge. The second layer comprises another designed polypeptide or another polyelectrolyte.

“Substrate” means a solid material with a suitable surface for adsorption of polyelectrolytes from aqueous solution. The surface of a substrate can have essentially any shape, for example, planar, spherical, rod-shaped, etc. A substrate surface can be regular or irregular. A substrate can be a crystal. A substrate can be a bioactive molecule. Substrates range in size from the nanoscale to the macro-scale. Moreover, a substrate optionally comprises several small sub-particles. A substrate can be made of organic material, inorganic material, bioactive material, or a combination thereof. Nonlimiting examples of substrates include silicon wafers; charged colloidal particles, e.g., microparticles of CaCO₃ or of melamine formaldehyde; biological cells such as erythrocytes, hepatocytes, bacterial cells, or yeast cells; organic polymer lattices, e.g., polystyrene or styrene copolymer lattices; liposomes; organelles; and viruses. In one embodiment, a substrate is a medical device such as an artificial pacemaker, a cochlear implant, or a stent.

When a substrate is disintegrated or otherwise removed during or after film formation, it is called “a template” (for film formation). Template particles can be dissolved in appropriate solvents or removed by thermal treatment. If, for example, partially cross-linked melamine-formaldehyde template particles are used, the template can be disintegrated by mild chemical methods, e.g., in DMSO, or by a change in pH value. After dissolution of the template particles, hollow multilayer shells remain which are composed of alternating polyelectrolyte layers.

A “capsule” is a polyelectrolyte film in the form of a hollow shell or a coating surrounding a core. The core comprises a variety of different encapsulants, for example, a protein, a drug, or a combination thereof. Capsules with diameters less than about 1 nm are referred to as nanocapsules. Capsules with diameters greater than about 1 nm are referred to as microcapsules.

“Cross linking” means the formation of a covalent bond, or several bonds, or many bonds between two or more molecules.

“Bioactive molecule” means a molecule, macromolecule, or macromolecular assembly having a biological effect. The specific biological effect can be measured in a suitable assay and normalizing per unit weight or per molecule of the bioactive molecule. A bioactive molecule can be encapsulated, retained behind, or encapsulated within a polyelectrolyte film. Nonlimiting examples of a bioactive molecule are a drug, a crystal of a drug, a protein, a functional fragment of a protein, a complex of proteins, a lipoprotein, an oligopeptide, an oligonucleotide, a nucleic acid, a ribosome, an active therapeutic agent, a phospholipid, a polysaccharide, a lipopolysaccharide. As used herein, “bioactive molecule” further encompasses biologically active structures, such as, for example, a functional membrane fragment, a membrane structure, a virus, a pathogen, a cell, an aggregate of cells, and an organelle. Examples of a protein that can be encapsulated or retained behind a polypeptide film are hemoglobin; enzymes, such as for example glucose oxidase, urease, lysozyme and the like; extracellular matrix proteins, for example, fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin and collagen; and an antibody. Examples of a cell that can be encapsulated or retained behind a polyelectrolyte film are a transplanted islet cell, a eukaryotic cell, a bacterial cell, a plant cell, and a yeast cell.

“Biocompatible” means causing no substantial adverse health effect upon oral ingestion, topical application, transdermal application, subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection, inhalation, implantation, or intravenous injection. For example, biocompatible films include those that do not cause a substantial immune response when in contact with the immune system of, for example, a human being.

“Immune response” means the response of the cellular or humoral immune system to the presence of a substance anywhere in the body. An immune response can be characterized in a number of ways, for example, by an increase in the bloodstream of the number of antibodies that recognize a certain antigen. Antibodies are proteins secreted by B cells, and an immunogen is an entity that elicits an immune response. The human body fights infection and inhibits reinfection by increasing the number of antibodies in the bloodstream and elsewhere.

“Antigen” means a foreign substance that elicits an immune response (e.g., the production of specific antibody molecules) when introduced into the tissues of a susceptible vertebrate organism. An antigen contains one or more epitopes. The antigen may be a pure substance, a mixture of substances (including cells or cell fragments). The term antigen includes a suitable antigenic determinant, auto-antigen, self-antigen, cross-reacting antigen, alloantigen, tolerogen, allergen, hapten, and immunogen, or parts thereof, and combinations thereof, and these terms are used interchangeably. Antigens are generally of high molecular weight and commonly are polypeptides. Antigens that elicit strong immune responses are said to be strongly immunogenic. The site on an antigen to which a complementary antibody may specifically bind is called an epitope or antigenic determinant.

“Antigenic” refers to the ability of a composition to give rise to antibodies specific to the composition or to give rise to a cell-mediated immune response.

As used herein, the terms “epitope” and “antigenic determinant” are used interchangeably and mean the structure or sequence of an antigen, e.g., a protein or a designed peptide, which is recognized by an antibody. Ordinarily an epitope will be on the surface of a protein. A “continuous epitope” is one that involves several contiguous amino acid residues, not one that involves amino acid residues that happen to be in contact or in the limited region of space in a folded protein. A “conformational epitope” involves amino acid residues from different portions of the linear sequence of a protein that come into contact in the three-dimensional structure of the protein. For efficient interaction to occur between the antigen and the antibody, the epitope must be readily available for binding. Thus, the epitope or antigenic determinants are present in the antigen's native, cellular environment, or only exposed when denatured. In their natural form they may be cytoplasmic (soluble), membrane associated, or secreted. The number, location and size of the epitopes will depend on how much of the antigen is presented during the antibody making process.

As used herein, a “vaccine composition” is a composition which elicits an immune response in a mammal to which it is administered and which protects the immunized organism against subsequent challenge by the immunizing agent or an immunologically cross-reactive agent. Protection can be complete or partial with regard to reduction in symptoms or infection as compared with a non-vaccinated organism. An immunologically cross-reactive agent can be, for example, the whole protein (e.g., glucosyltransferase) from which a subunit peptide has been derived for use as the immunogen. Alternatively, an immunologically cross-reactive agent can be a different protein, which is recognized in whole or in part by antibodies elicited by the immunizing agent.

As used herein, an “immunogenic composition” is intended to encompass a composition that elicits an immune response in an organism to which it is administered and which may or may not protect the immunized mammal against subsequent challenge with the immunizing agent. In one embodiment, an immunogenic composition is a vaccine composition.

The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples

EXAMPLES Testing Protocols

Mice and immunizations: Female C57BL/6J, 6-8 weeks of age, were obtained from Jackson Laboratories and housed at NorthEast Life Sciences, New Haven. Mice were acclimated to the environment for at least one week prior to use. Microparticles were resuspended in PBS to the desired DP concentration (e.g., 10 μg/100 μl/injection) and sonicated for 10 minutes immediately prior to syringe loading and immunization. Mice were immunized with the suspension in the rear footpad (f.p.) on days 0, 21 and 42. Positive control mice were immunized subcutaneously (s.c.) with designed peptide (DP) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) on day 0 or incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) on days 21 and 42; negative control mice were mock immunized with PBS.

ELISA: Mice were bled on days 28 (post-first boost), 49 (post-second boost) and 58 (post-challenge) and sera were harvested for analysis of antibody responses using ELISA plates coated with T1B peptide. Antibody binding was detected with HRP-labeled goat anti-mouse IgG.

ELISPOT: Mice were sacrificed on day 28, and spleens were harvested and teased into single-cell suspensions. Unfractionated spleen cells were restimulated with the indicated minimal epitope peptide in IFNγ or IL-5 ELISPOT plates using commercial reagents (BD Biosciences) and plates (Millipore Corporation) and following the manufacturers' instructions. The number of spots on each plate was counted in an AID Viruspot Reader.

PfPb challenge: C57BL/6J mice were immunized as described above. On day 56, mice were challenged with PfPb (Plasmodium bergheii transfected with the CS gene of P. falciparum). The challenge was accomplished by anesthetizing the mice and allowing PfPb-infected mosquitoes to feed on them for 10 minutes. Two days post-challenge, the challenged mice were bled and sacrificed, and liver RNA was extracted for analysis of parasite burden by qPCR.

Transgenic sporozoite neutralization assay (TSNA): The parasite-neutralizing activity of sera in the TSNA was performed by methods known in the art. In brief, a 1:5 dilution of each serum sample was incubated with PfPb parasites (Plasmodium bergheii transfected with the CS gene of P. falciparum) for 40 minutes on ice. The mixtures were added to wells containing HepG2 cells and incubated at 37° C. for 72 hours. Parasite 18S rRNA levels in each culture were measured by qPCR and compared to a standard curve generated with known amounts of plasmid 18S cDNA. The percent inhibition of parasite growth was calculated by comparison to control wells containing PfPb and HepG2 cells with no serum.

RNA isolation and qPCR: Approximately 40 hours post-challenge, mice were sacrificed and livers were harvested and washed twice with 10 ml sterile PBS. Livers were homogenized in 10 ml TriReagent (Molecular Research Center, cat#TR118) using a polytron homogenizer (Fisher Scientific PowerGen 500) for 1 minute at highest setting. Homogenates were vortexed for 2 minutes and allowed to sit at RT for 10 minutes. The clear homogenate was collected into sterile Eppendorf tubes to which 200 μl of chloroform (Sigma C-0549) was added. Samples were vortexed for 2 minutes, allowed to sit at RT for 15 minutes, then centrifuged at 14,000 rpm at 4° C. for 15 minutes. The aqueous phase (450 μl) was collected into sterile 1.5 ml Eppendorf tubes to which an equal volume of isopropanol (Sigma 405-7) was added. Samples were vortexed for 10 seconds, allowed to sit at RT for 10 minutes, then centrifuged at 14,000 rpm at RT for 10 minutes. The supernatant was decanted and the pellet was washed with 1 ml of 70% EtOH (Sigma E7023), vortexed for 10 seconds, and centrifuged at 14,000 rpm at RT for 10 minutes. The supernatant was decanted and the pellet was dried at RT. Dried pellets were resuspended in 200 μl of DEPC H₂O (Invitrogen cat#750023) for qPCR.

RNA was also isolated from the TriReagent homogenate using the Qiagen RNeasy MiniPrep protocol (Qiagen), and converted to cDNA using iScript RT Supermix (Bio-Rad), each according to manufacturer's protocol. PCR was performed on a CFX96 (Bio-Rad) to determine copy numbers of P. bergei 18S rRNA in the liver tissue. Primer sequences used were:

forward (SEQ ID NO: 4) 5′-AAGCATTAAATAAAGCGAATACATCCTTAC-3′ reverse (SEQ ID NO: 5) 5′-GGAGATTGGTTTTGACGTTTATGTG-3′

Cycling conditions using iQ SYBR Green Supermix (Bio-Rad) were: 95° C. for 3 min, then [95° C. for 20 sec, 60° C. for 30 sec, 72° C. for 30 sec] repeated 40 times. To determine copy number, a plasmid of known concentration containing P. bergei 18S rRNA sequence (NYU) was used to construct a standard curve.

Example 1 Immunogenicity of Pam3Cys.T1B Malaria Microparticles

A series of DP containing various T1B configurations was synthesized (see Table 1). The sequences of the T1 and B Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein antigens are given below:

T1: (SEQ ID NO: 1) DPNANPNVDPNANPNV B: (SEQ ID NO: 2) NANP

CaCO₃ cores were obtained from PlasmaChem GmbH, Germany (3 μm, mesoporous, spherical). PLL and PGA were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, USA. PLL, PGA and ACT-2062 (T1BT*K₂₀Y: DPNANPNVDPNANPNVNANPNANPNANPEYLNKIQNSLSTEWSPCSVTSGNGKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKY (SEQ ID NO: 6)) were dissolved in 10 mM HEPES, pH 7.4. LbL particles were fabricated essentially as described for LbL nanoparticles (Powell et al. 2011. Vaccine 29:558). After assembling the 7 base layers with PGA and PLL, the film was cross-linked using 200 mM EDC and 50 mM sulfo-NHS in 200 mM phosphate buffer, pH 6.5. The particles were washed twice with 10 mM HEPES buffer to remove any residual reagent. The DP (ACT-2062, SEQ ID NO: 6) was added as the 8th layer to generate microparticle ACT-1141. The mature particles and were washed and stored as damp pellets at 4° C. or RT until use.

The N-terminus of DP-2163 (T1₃B₅ Pf) was extended during solution phase synthesis by adding a serine-lysine-lysine-lysine-lysine spacer followed by N-terminal coupling of a Pam3-modified cysteine residue, thus incorporating the TLR2 ligand Pam3Cys to yield DP-2167 (Pam3.T1₃B₅ Pf).

TABLE 3 List of microparticles Particle # DP # Epitope(s) and source Sequence MP-1140 DP-2062 T1BT* Pf SEQ ID NO: 6 MP-1141 MC-1142 MP-1167 DP-2163 T1₃B₅ Pf SEQ ID NO: 7 MP-1164 DP-2167 Pam3.T1₃B₅ Pf Pam₃- SEQ ID NO: 7

SEQ ID NO: 7 (SKKKK(NANPNVDP)₃(NANP)₅K₂₀Y) SKKKKNANPNVDPNANPNVDPNANPNVDPNANPNANPNANPNANP NANPKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKY

C57BL/6 mice were immunized with MP-1141, MP-1167, or MP-1164; mice immunized with PBS or with DP-2062 (T1BT* (SEQ ID N: 6)) in CFA were included as negative and positive controls, respectively. ELISA analysis of sera collected on day 28 shows that MP-1164 containing the Pam₃Cys-modified DP was comparable to the positive control DP-2062 (T1BT*) in Freund's adjuvant and statistically more potent than MP-1167 containing the same DP without Pam₃Cys (P=0.02, Wilcoxon rank sum test) (FIG. 1). MP-1164 also yielded an antibody isotype profile identical to that in the positive control group, including the Th1-associated IgG2c isotype that was minimally induced by MP-1167 or MP-1141 (FIG. 2), each of which lacks Pam₃Cys. The Pam₃Cys-modified MP-1164 was as efficacious as DP 2062 peptide/CFA positive control group, protecting 90% of the mice from liver stage infection (FIG. 3). Protection correlated with neutralizing antibody most strongly in the MP-1164 group (data not shown), modestly in the MP-1141 group (data not shown), and weakly in the MP-1167 group (data not shown). Thus, a simple Pam₃Cys modification of the DP yields an improved LbL vaccine that elicits more potent antibody responses and provides a higher level of protection from parasite challenge.

Example 2 Synthesis of Pam₃Cys Designed Peptides

Designed peptides containing antigenic sequences from the circumsporozoite protein of malaria (P. falciparum) was synthesized by stepwise solid phase peptide synthesis using a Liberty™ (CEM, Matthews, N.C.) automated synthesizer with microwave temperature control. A low loading Rink amide polystyrene resin (0.10 mmol), standard Fmoc amino acids, HBTU/DIEA activation, and routine double coupling were used. Following automated synthesis 20% of the resin (0.02 mmol) was Fmoc deprotected and treated with a freshly prepared solution of 30 mg Pam₃Cys-OH (0.032 mmol, Bachem Bioscience cat. #F-2630), 12 mg HBTU, 8 uL DIEA, in about 1.5 mL 20% DCM/DMF. The slurry was agitated for 4 hours, the resin filtered and washed well, and coupling of the Pam3Cys confirmed by qualitative ninhydrin assay. The resin was dried under vacuum and the peptide cleaved by treatment with TFA/triisopropylsilane/phenol/3,6-dioxo-1,8-octanedithiol/water (86:4:4:3:3) for two hours. The crude peptide was precipitated with ether and then purified by C₄ reverse phase HPLC using a water (0.1% trifluoracetic acid)/isopropanol gradient. The identity of the purified peptide was confirmed by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS). Calculated (average) MW=8683.4 g/mol. found MW=8682.1 g/mol.

Example 3 Fabrication of Malaria Microparticle Vaccine ACT-1164 (Pam₃-SEQ ID NO: 7)

1.0 mg/mL (wt/v) stock solutions of poly-L-glutamic acid, sodium salt, poly-L-lysine HBr salt, and FITC labeled poly-L-lysine in 10 mM HEPES buffer pH 7 were freshly prepared. 180 mg of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃, PlasmaChem GmbH)) microparticles were suspended in 3.0 mL PGA solution and vortexed well. The mixture was rocked for 10 min at room temperature then centrifuged (2000 g for 2 min), aspirated, washed with 10 mM HEPES buffer to remove unattached polymer, centrifuged again and aspirated. The particles were resuspended in 3.0 mL of PLL-FITC solution, rocked for 10 min, then centrifuged and washed as before. These steps were repeated five more times alternatively using PGA and PLL solutions until a total of seven layers were assembled on the particles. The particles were then suspended in 3.0 mL HEPES containing 1.5 mg designed peptide ACT-2167. The mixture was rocked for 10 min at room temperature, centrifuged, and washed twice. The total amount of designed peptide deposited was measured by amino acid analysis and found to be 0.99 mg (66% efficiency). Particles were examined by fluorescence microscopy and found to be well dispersed (data not shown). Particles were stored at 4° C. as damp pellets for up to 30 days. Alternatively, particles were suspended at 30 mg/mL in 5% mannitol and 0.2% carboxymethylcellulose, flash frozen in liquid nitrogen, lyophilized overnight at room temperature, then stored at 4° C. for up to 12 months.

Example 4 Alternative Synthesis of Pam₂Cys Containing Designed Peptide

A designed peptide is synthesized on a solid phase resin as described in Example 2. The N-terminal deprotected resin (0.020 mol) is treated with a prepared solution of 29 mg Fmoc-Pam₂Cys-OH (0.032 mmol, Bachem Bioscience cat. #B-3760), 12 mg HBTU, 8 uL DIEA, in about 1.5 mL 20% DCM/DMF. The slurry is agitated for 4 hours, the resin filtered and washed well, and coupling of the Fmoc-Pam₂Cys confirmed by qualitative ninhydrin assay. The resin is N-terminal deprotected by treatment with 20% piperidine in DMF for 10 min, washed well, and dried under vacuum. The crude peptide is obtained by TFA cleavage and purified by C₄ HPLC as described in Example 2.

Example 5 Incorporation of TLR-4 Ligand MPLA into 3 Nm Vaccine Microparticles

Vaccine microparticles containing seven layers of homopolymers and a layer of designed peptide were assembled on 3 μm CaCO₃ particles as described in Example 3. Vaccine particles were suspended at 60 mg/mL in HEPES buffer and 100 μL, aliquots placed in 500 μL, Eppendorf tubes. A 5.0 mg/mL stock solution of monophosphoryl lipid A in neat DMSO was prepared and 0.2 μL, or 2.0 μL, was added to a 100 μL, aliquot (final MPLA concentrations 10 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL, respectively). The particles were vortexed and rocked for 20 min, centrifuged, and washed 3 times with HEPES buffer. Particles were resuspended to 100 μL and tested in a cell based TLR-4 assay. Results showed that MPLA coated particles stimulated TLR-4 cells in a dose dependent manner (FIG. 4).

Example 6 Coprecipitation of CaCO₃ and Imiquimod

A solution of 243 mg calcium chloride dehydrate and 1.0 mg imiquimod dissolved in 5.0 mL water is mixed under rapid stirring with a solution of 137 mg sodium carbonate. The stirring is continued for 45-60 seconds and the CaCO₃ microparticles formed are collected by centrifugation. The amount of imiquimod encapsulated in the particles is measured by dissolving an aliquot of particles in 1 M HCl and measuring the UV absorbance of the resulting clear solution at 317 nm.

Example 7 Incorporation of TLR-7 Ligand Imiquimod into 3 μm Vaccine Microparticles

Freshly prepared solutions of PGA and PLL were prepared as described in Example 2. 9.0 mg of 3 μm CaCO₃ particles were suspended in 300 μL PGA solution and rocked for 10 min. The particles were centrifuged, aspirated, washed with 10 mM HEPES buffer, resuspended in 300 μL buffer, and 25 μL removed for UV assay. 6.0 μL of a 5 mg/mL solution of imiquimod in water (30 μg) was added and the particles were rocked for 10 min then centrifuged. An aliquot (25 μL) of supernatant was removed for UV assay, the particles were washed and then resuspended in 275 μA buffer and an aliquot (25 μL) removed for UV assay. Seven layers of homopolymers (PLL, PGA, PLL, PGA, PLL, PGA, PLL) were added as described in Example 3. Particles were suspended in 250 μL buffer and 25 μL aliquots removed for UV assay. The 25 μL aliquots were treated with 125 μA 1.0 M HCl to dissolve the particles and the OD at 317 nm of the resulting slightly turbid solutions were measured in a microtiter plate. UV absorbance shows that most of the soluble imiquimod bound to the particles and remained bound during subsequent layering steps (FIG. 5).

Example 8 HEK-293 Cell Based Assay for TLR4 Agonists

A HEK-293 cell line stably transfected with the human TLR4, MD2 and CD14 genes was purchased commercially and cultured using the conditions described by the vendor. Particle samples and/or soluble standards of MPLA were serial diluted in DMEM/10% FBS, 100 μl/well. The TLR4 transfectant cells were adjusted to 2×10′5 cells/mL in DMEM/10% FBS, 100 μl added to each well, and the cells were incubated at 37° C. overnight. The supernatants were collected and the secreted IL-8 measured by sandwich ELISA using the following matched monoclonal antibody pair: IL-8 coating antibody diluted to 2 μg/ml in PBS and biotinylated IL-8 detection antibody diluted to 0.5 μg/ml in ELISA buffer. Avidin-HRP conjugate at 1:1000 dilution in ELISA buffer and TMB substrate was used to develop the plate. After stopping the reaction with H₂SO₄ optical density was read at 450 nm.

Example 9 Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Malaria Pam3Cys.T1BT*

C57BL/6J mice, female 6-8 weeks of age, were immunized with crosslinked constructs ACT-1200 (T1BT*, bXL) or ACT-1201 (Pam₃Cys.T1BT*, bXL), or non-crosslinked constructs ACT-1198 (T1BT*, nXL) or ACT-1199 (Pam₃Cys.T1BT*, nXL) on days 0, 28 and 42 via f.p. The constructs are described in the following table:

ACT DP #, description, Dose administered number of mice particle # and sequence via f.p. per group PBS — — 13 1198 2062, T1BT* nXL,  10 μg 13 SEQ ID NO: 6 1199 2149, Pam3cys.  10 μg 13 T1BT* nXL, SEQ ID NO: 7 1200 2062, T1BT* bXL, 11.8 μg 13 SEQ ID NO: 6 1201 2149, Pam3cys. 11.8 μg 13 T1BT* bXL, SEQ ID NO: 7 nXL = no crosslinking; bXL = base layers crosslinked prior to addition of DP.

Sera were collected on day 49 for determination of T1B-specific antibody titers by ELISA. The results in FIG. 6 show that all constructs elicited T1B-specific antibody responses. Non-crosslinked ACT-1198 (T1BT*) was the least potent formulation. The T1B-specific isotype distribution was determined using isotype-specific detection reagents in the ELISA. FIG. 7 shows that all constructs elicited predominantly IgG₁ and IgG_(2b) isotypes (Th2-associated), while ACT-1199 and ACT-1201 elicited the IgG₂ isotype (Th1-associated, equivalent to IgG_(2a) in BALB/c strain), yielding a profile and potency nearly identical to that induced by ACT-2062 peptide in CFA/IFA.

On day 49, T-cell responses were measured by ELISPOT. Mice immunized with all constructs except ACT-1198 mounted balanced cellular responses evidenced by IFNγ and IL-5 ELISPOTs (FIG. 8). Notably, ACT-1200 elicited a high number of IL-5-secreting cells while ACT-1201 containing Pam3Cys did not.

These results suggest that either crosslinking or inclusion of Pam₃Cys increases the potency of microparticles, and the combination of both modifications in the same microparticle results in quantitative (antibody titer) and qualitative (antibody isotype and T-cell phenotype) improvements compared to the non-modified microparticle.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms first, second, etc., as used herein are not meant to denote any particular ordering, but simply for convenience to denote a plurality of, for example, layers. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention as used herein.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of eliciting an immune response in a vertebrate organism comprising administering into the vertebrate organism a composition comprising a first multilayer film comprising a plurality of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte layers, wherein one of the polyelectrolyte layers in the multilayer film comprises a first antigenic polyelectrolyte, wherein the first antigenic polyelectrolyte comprises a covalently linked viral, bacterial, fungal or parasite epitope, wherein the multilayer film comprises a toll-like receptor ligand (TLR ligand) and covalently linked to the first antigenic polyelectrolyte, and wherein the polyelectrolytes in the multilayer film comprise a polycationic material or a polyanionic material having a molecular weight of greater than 1,000 and at least 5 charges per molecule.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the TLR ligand is a lipoprotein or a lipopeptide.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first antigenic polyelectrolyte is a polypeptide.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first multilayer film is deposited on a core particle.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a second multilayer film comprising a plurality of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte layers, wherein one of the layers in the second multilayer film comprises a second antigenic polyelectrolyte, wherein the second antigenic polyelectrolyte comprises a viral, bacterial, fungal or parasite polypeptide epitope, wherein the first and second antigenic polyelectrolytes comprise different polypeptide epitopes from the same or different organisms.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first and second antigenic polyelectrolytes are polypeptides.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the first and second multilayer films are deposited onto core particles.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the TLR ligand binds TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8 or TLR9.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the TLR ligand is N-palmitoyl-S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)propyl]cysteine (Pam₃Cys), [S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)propyl]cysteine] (Pam₂Cys), monophospholipid A, imiquimod, or a combination thereof.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the multilayer film comprises two or more different TLR ligands.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the multilayer film comprises a polypeptide polyelectrolyte and wherein the polypeptide is covalently crosslinked within the multilayer film.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the covalent crosslinks are amide bonds involving amino acid side chain functional groups. 